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To make Food Network's baked French toast casserole with maple syrup, slice a loaf of French bread into 20 1-inch thick slices, and arrange them evenly in a greased 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 eggs, 2 cups half-and-half cream, 1 cup milk and 2 tablespoons sugar. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and a dash of salt. Beat until well combined but not too bubbly.

Pour the mixture over the bread slices, evenly coating each slice. Cover the dish, and refrigerate it overnight. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 pound of butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1 cup chopped pecans and 2 tablespoons light corn syrup. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread the mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake the French toast at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes, or until puffy and lightly browned. Cut the toast, and serve warm with maple syrup.

To make Epicurious��� version of the recipe, arrange 12 3/4-inch French bread slices in a baking pan with 1-inch sides. Beat 6 eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, turning the slices to coat. Cover the pan with plastic wrap, refrigerate overnight. Bake the French toast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, turn the bread over, and bake for four minutes longer. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and serve.